CITIZENS’ ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes
January 18, 2007
CAC Members in Attendance: Theresa Jehn-Dellaport (Chair), Russell Burton, Becky Long, Deb Pilon, Myrna Poticha, Jason Randall, Rick Sackbauer
DW Staff: Marie Bassett, Marc Waage, Greg Fisher, Joe Sloan
Guest: Tim Flynn
OPENING REMARKS, AGENDA AND MINUTES
The agenda and minutes were approved as presented. Myrna suggested amending the minutes to include a record of events between the December and January meetings. After some discussion, it was decided to include the record in the January minutes.
Theresa welcomed the new members, Jason Randall and Becky Long. She stated that Roberta Simonton had resigned and there are currently two openings on the CAC. Theresa requested the minutes reflect the deep appreciation for all of Roberta’s work over the past four years and requested that Joe send a photo or gift to Roberta, as has been done in the past when members have completed their service on the CAC.
Joe indicated that Rick had requested legislative updates at CAC meetings when the legislature is in session. Sara Duncan was not able to attend the CAC meeting, but will prepare a report that will be sent to the members in the near future.
DENVER WATER UPDATE – Marie Bassett, Director of Public Affairs
HOA & Rate Classification – The Board will discuss the issue of HOAs and Rate Classification at its next Board Study Session. Marie had sent a memo to the CAC in their meeting packet referring to a memo from John Wright to the Board. Marie did not anticipate Board action on the issue at its next meeting, rather that the Board would discuss the issue and possible options to address concerns raised by HOAs who have contacted DW.
HIGH LINE CANAL UPDATE - Marc Waage, Raw Water Supply
Marc gave some background on the canal and its operational costs. There are no plans for public meetings for 2007 as nothing has changed significantly in the past few years. However, if the High Line Partners want to hold public meetings, Denver Water would work with the Partners to set up meetings.
Myrna and Theresa expressed interest that the CAC become involved in discussion on the High Line Canal. Marc suggested the CAC begin with the High Line Canal Partners, of which Denver Water is a part, instead of creating something new. Theresa asked if Denver Water was going to be involved with the Mayor’s Million Trees project and if so would the High Line be a possible location for the trees. Joe reported that Donna Pacetti is Denver Water’s liaison to the Mayor’s office and is working three days a week in the Mayor’s office. Donna has attended meetings on the Million Trees initiative, so Joe will send Donna’s contact information to Myrna and Theresa.
CAC BUSINESS
Discussion of Topics for Future CAC Involvement – Greg Fisher was asked to give a short update on the 10-year conservation plan and the role the CAC could provide. There will be monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of pilot projects and that may include focus groups and surveys. While the M&E has not been fully developed, input from the CAC on pilot projects could be of assistance. Greg and Liz Gardener will work with the CAC on this process. Jason asked if DW was talking to front-end groups like developers, planners, and landscape architects. These groups could be valuable partners is future water conservation efforts. Russell suggested Jason talk to Kim and the HBA about what has been done so far and that he would be willing to meet with Jason and Kim as well. The HBA has been involved with various groups within the housing/development industry. Greg agreed with Jason and asked that he and Russell continue to suggest groups which are interested in the 10-year plan. Deb stated the Distributors need to be on board with the plan if it is to be successful. Greg concurred and stated the Distributors are crucial and will be included in the process.
Joe confirmed that David Little would be at the next CAC meeting to discuss the possible role of the CAC in the Moffat Collection System Project. This is another issue of public interest. However, it is not clear what might occur in 2007 on this project.
Record of Events Between the December and January CAC Meetings – Myrna stated it was important there be a public record of what occurred over the past month and to learn from those events. Myrna and Theresa recapped the history of events: After long deliberations, the CAC selected one applicant for each of three openings on the CAC and forwarded those three names to the Board. The CAC bylaws state that a maximum of two names will be sent to the Board for consideration. Joe contacted Roberta to inform her that Marie expressed concern that only one name was being forwarded to the Board. In the past, at least two names were submitted, but the bylaws were changed and approved by the Board in December 2006 to reflect a maximum of two names would be submitted. Roberta sent an e-mail to the Board clarifying the CAC selection process.
Myrna was uncertain whether the Board or staff members questioned the selection process. She and Roberta listened to staff and contacted Board members. Theresa stated that it was not helpful to get into a discussion of “who said what” but rather move forward. Myrna concurred, but believed it was important to stress that the CAC was not shown respect by some staff members as the events occurred. Joe contacted Roberta to inform her that Marie expressed concern that only one name was being forwarded to the Board, and Marie contacted Roberta with the same concern. Roberta was told that the Board wanted to have choice, and Marie asked that two names be submitted for each position. Theresa and Deb then met with Marie and Joe and were informed that George Beardsley wanted to have a choice. Theresa was asked to poll the CAC on amending its original recommendations in line with the staff request. In accordance with the positive vote of 4 or 5 members of the CAC, Theresa forwarded two named to the Board for one open position. After Board questioning and deliberation, the Board stated both applicants were well-qualified, and they appointed both. Myrna, Roberta and Theresa had all spoken to members of the Board in-between the two meetings. From one of those conversations, Theresa was asked to send a short summary of the CAC communications directly to the Board. Deb stated that in her short time on the CAC she has sensed some animosity between some staff and some CAC members. This should have been resolved because adversarial relations with staff will not help the CAC in their role as an advisory committee. Russell reminded the members that when talking to staff or the Board, CAC members need to be clear if they are representing their own ideas or those of the entire committee. During the exchanges of calls and e-mails among CAC members between the two meetings, it was important to clarify individual and entire committee opinions. Myrna concurred and stated individual members should let the committee know when they have had conversations/contact with staff or Board members on issues which effect the entire committee. Myrna had considered resigning from the committee but believes it is a good group of people with an important role to play.
In retrospect, Myrna stated the CAC should have called an emergency meeting to address this issue, however, due to holidays and snow storms this was not possible. All of the CAC agreed that some positive results had occurred during the events of the past month and what was learned should be applied to the future.
Theresa asked CAC members to give her comments which she will forward to the Board. She will send a draft to the members of the committee before doing so. She also asked that all future agendas reserve the last 10 minutes of each meeting for “Comments to the Board”.
Future Agenda Items
- Applications will be reviewed in February
- Interviews will be held in March
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 pm